German Mills Creek facts for kids
German Mills Creek is a small river in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada. It flows through the cities of Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto, and Vaughan. This creek is part of the larger Great Lakes Basin and flows into the East Branch of the Don River. It starts in Vaughan, near Bathurst Street, and travels south. The creek ends in Toronto, joining the Don River in the East Don Parklands. German Mills Creek is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long.
Quick facts for kids German Mills Creek |
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View of Leslie Street bridge spanning over German Mills Creek
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 Location of the mouth of the creek in Toronto
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Greater Toronto Area |
| Municipalities | Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Vaughan 316 m (1,037 ft) 43°54′42″N 79°28′54″W / 43.91167°N 79.48167°W |
| River mouth | Don River Toronto 152 m (499 ft) 43°47′48″N 79°22′56″W / 43.79667°N 79.38222°W |
| Length | 10 km (6.2 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Great Lakes Basin |
| Tributaries |
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Contents
Why the Name "German Mills"?
The creek gets its name from an old settlement called German Mills. This settlement was started in 1796 by a pioneer named William Berczy. Even though the settlement disappeared after a few years, the creek kept its original name.
Where the Creek Flows
As German Mills Creek flows south, it passes through different types of areas. In Richmond Hill, it winds through neighborhoods with a narrow green space on each side. In Markham, the creek goes through a mix of homes, shops, and light industrial areas.
A smaller stream called Duncan Woods Creek joins German Mills Creek in Toronto. This happens near the corner of Steeles Avenue and Leslie Street.
Fun Places Along the Creek
There are several undeveloped areas along the creek that are used as parks. These parks offer natural spaces for people to enjoy.
Parks You Can Visit
- German Mills Settlers Park (a large natural park, about 26 hectares or 65 acres)
- Wycliffe Park, Markham, Ontario
- German Mills Creek Channel Lands, Richmond Hill, Ontario
- German Mills Creek Park, Richmond Hill, Ontario
- Bestview Park Fitness Trail, Toronto
- Bestview Park
- East Donlands Park
- Maple Valley Park
- Valley View Park
- Doncrest Valley
- Langstaff Park
- German Mills Trail
- Toll Bar Park
Communities Near the Creek
The creek flows near or through several communities:
- Elgin Mills, Richmond Hill
- Hillsview, Richmond Hill
- Langstaff, Richmond Hill
- Doncrest, Richmond Hill
- German Mills, Markham
- Hillcrest Village, Toronto
